Quebec is still feeling the shockwaves of the explosion caused by the runaway crude oil-filled train that derailed in the heart of downtown Lac-Mégantic early July 6, 2013.
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The province looked on helplessly and horrified at the time.
We witnessed efforts to put out the fire that burned for days. Tireless search for survivors. About the hope of the relatives of the disappeared, which dwindled as the hours passed.
TSB/Courtesy
Anger followed. Anger against the American company that operates the train, but also against the Canadian authorities who failed to prevent the tragedy.
It all sparked debate about the safety of rail transport of dangerous goods in our region, where most of Quebec’s towns and villages are built around the railroad tracks.
In the weeks that followed, the remains of the 47 victims were recovered from downtown ruins.
Stevens LeBlanc / QMI Agency
As we prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, Le Journal wanted to take the pulse of those whose lives changed forever on that day.
Like that of Pascal Lafontaine, who lost part of his family and left him in charge of three children.
“Overnight I had to be mom and dad at the same time,” he says.
Not to mention the fate of many children who took a dramatic turn when tragedy left them orphaned, such as Tristan Lecours or little Miliana, who was cared for by her grandparents.
Stevens LeBlanc / QMI Agency
Even today, the region is divided by the famous ring road, which has not yet been built.
A decade after the derailment, trains are still noisy in downtown Mégantic, which has since been rebuilt.
The gaping scar of ten years ago, the piles of charred cars, has given way to a new downtown.
Some Méganticois have left the city forever. The pain is too strong to even think about going back. This is the case of Mégane Turcotte, whose mother is one of the 47 victims.
Like many others, she has learned over the years to live with the burden of drama and move forward. But forgetting is out of the question.
“It is important that we remember this tragedy. For my mother and all the other victims who didn’t ask for anything,” said Mégane Turcotte.